Introduction

These Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a delicious and crispy way to enjoy your veggies. Packed with cheese and seasoned perfectly, they make for a great snack or appetizer that’s quick to prepare. Plus, using the air fryer keeps them light and crispy without the need for deep frying.

The image shows a white wooden plate filled with bite-sized broccoli pieces coated in a golden, crispy breading with a slightly rough texture. Each broccoli piece has two main layers: a bright green, tender broccoli floret inside, and a crunchy, deep golden brown breaded outer shell. Some pieces have melted yellow cheese oozing from inside the broccoli, adding a smooth, glossy layer to the texture. The plate is garnished with small bunches of fresh, dark green parsley placed around the broccoli bites. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with creamy white dipping sauce speckled with green herbs. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the broccoli by blanching the finely chopped florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes until bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and blanched broccoli. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until fully combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls or patties about the size of a golf ball using your hands. Set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each popper in the breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure a crispy exterior.
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the poppers in a single layer, making sure they do not touch, and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Step 7: Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket gently halfway through to promote even cooking.
Step 8: Remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Storage

Store any leftover broccoli cheddar poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from getting soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden tray holding a pile of golden-brown, crispy broccoli pieces. Each broccoli piece is coated in a crunchy layer with green florets peeking through. The broccoli is topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with finely grated white cheese. In the background of the tray is a small silver cup filled with creamy white sauce, garnished with small green herb pieces. Some fresh green broccoli florets are placed next to the sauce cup. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the broccoli to remove all excess moisture before mixing. This helps the poppers hold together better and prevents sogginess.

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the poppers in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Alternatively, freeze the shaped poppers and air fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews

These Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a deliciously crispy and cheesy appetizer or snack, combining fresh broccoli with sharp cheddar and creamy cheeses. Quickly cooked in the air fryer, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 poppers 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Cheese

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Binders & Coating

1 large egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Other

Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli: In a pot of boiling water, blanch the finely chopped broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and blanched broccoli. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until fully incorporated into a uniform mixture.
Shape the Poppers: Using your hands, scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into small balls or patties roughly the size of a golf ball. Place the shaped poppers onto a plate or tray as you continue forming them.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until fully and evenly coated to ensure a crispy outer layer.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the poppers develop a crispy crust quickly when cooking starts.
Air Fry the Poppers: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the broccoli cheddar poppers in a single layer, ensuring none are touching for even air circulation. Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking spray to enhance browning.
Cook: Air fry the poppers for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Gently shake or turn the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning of all sides.
Serve: Remove the cooked poppers carefully and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or sriracha mayo for a flavorful bite.

Notes

Ensure broccoli is very well dried after blanching to prevent excess moisture that can make poppers soggy.
Panko breadcrumbs work best for crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs can be substituted if needed.
Adjust seasoning according to taste; adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick.
These poppers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
Use a non-stick spray or brush lightly with oil if your air fryer basket tends to stick.

Keywords: Air Fryer, Broccoli, Cheddar, Cheese Poppers, Appetizer, Snack, Crispy, Healthy, Vegetarian